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Louis XV
Louis XV France by Louis-Michel van Loo 002.jpg
Louis the Beloved
King of France
Tenure 1 September 1715 – 10 May 1774
Predecessor Louis XIV
Successor Louis XVI
Born 15 February 1710
Palace of Versailles, France
Died 10 April 1774(1774-04-10) (aged 64)
Palace of Versailles, Kingdom of France
Spouse Marie Leszczyńska
Issue Louise Élisabeth, Duchess of Parma
Princess Henriette
Princess Louise
Louis, Dauphin of France
Philippe, Duke of Anjou
Princess Marie Adélaïde
Princess Victoire
Princess Sophie
Princess Thérèse
Louise Marie, Abbess of Saint Denis
Full name
Louis de France
Father Louis, Dauphin of France
Signature Louis XV's signature

Louis XV (born February 15, 1710 – died May 10, 1774) was a French king. He ruled France from 1715 until his death. He was the great-grandson of Louis XIV, whom he succeeded at just five years old. People called him "The Beloved" (which is le Bien-Aimé in French). However, his rule faced many challenges. His lack of strong leadership and slow pace in making important changes contributed to big problems. These problems eventually led to the French Revolution after his time.

Early Life and Becoming King

Louis was born at the Palace of Versailles on February 15, 1710. His father was Louis, Dauphin of France. His mother was Marie Adélaïde of Savoy. Since Louis was so young when he became king, Philippe, Duke of Orléans ruled France for him. Philippe was known as the regent, meaning he governed until Louis was old enough to rule on his own. Louis officially took control in 1723.

In 1725, King Louis married Maria Leszczyńska. She was the daughter of Stanisław I of Poland. The next year, his former teacher, André Hercule de Fleury, became his main advisor. Fleury helped France have a stable government for 17 years. After Fleury died, Louis was technically in charge. But he didn't always focus on governing. He also didn't follow a clear plan for France, either at home or with other countries.

Wars and Challenges

France was involved in three major wars during Louis's reign. The first was the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735). As a result, France gained the area of Lorraine. The second war was the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). This war also marked the start of a fight with Britain over colonies around the world. This war didn't have a clear winner.

The last war was the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). During this war, France struggled with problems like corruption and poor management. Because of this, France lost most of its lands overseas to the British. France's foreign policy was also confusing. Louis sometimes had his own secret agents in other countries. These agents sometimes worked against what his own ministers were trying to achieve.

Things got a bit better in the 1760s. A new minister, the duc de Choiseul, brought more order to the government. He tried to fix the problems caused by the Seven Years' War. In his final years, Louis worked with his chancellor, René de Maupeou. They tried to improve France's tax system. This system was unfair and not working well. In 1771, the parlements, which were like high courts, were changed. They had often stopped the king's new laws. Now, they lost their power to block royal decisions. Plans were then made to tax the rich nobles and clergy, who usually didn't have to pay taxes. However, these changes were stopped after Louis died.

Louis XV died at Versailles on May 10, 1774, from smallpox. He was not a popular king by the end of his life. His grandson, Louis XVI, became the next king. Louis XVI was later executed during the French Revolution.

His Children

Louis XV and Queen Marie Leszczyńska had many children:

  • Louise Élisabeth of France (born 1727 – died 1759)
  • Henriette of France (born 1727 – died 1752)
  • Louise of France (born 1728 – died 1733)
  • Louis, Dauphin of France (born 1729 – died 1765)
  • Philippe of France, Duke of Anjou (born 1730 – died 1733)
  • Marie Adélaïde of France (born 1732 – died 1800)
  • Victoire of France (born 1733 – died 1799)
  • Sophie of France (born 1734 – died 1782)
  • Stillborn Child (born and died 1735)
  • Thérèse of France (born 1736 – died 1744)
  • Louise Marie of France (born 1737 – died 1787), who became a nun.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Luis XV de Francia para niños

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